Broten promises better representation for P.A. from NDP

Rancourt will be running against incumbent Prince Albert Northcote MLA Victoria Jurgens, and Lazarowich will be facing Joe Hargrave to take former Prince Albert Carlton MLA Darryl Hickie’s now-vacant seat.

Prior to his speech, he said both NDP candidates are committed to speaking up strongly for Prince Albert and area.

When asked about the NDP’s prospects in the Northcote constituency in particular, Broten said he is optimistic. He said his party is listening to Prince Albert residents, and both candidates are out hearing what the priorities are so that message can be taken back to Regina.

“Prince Albert is very important to us as a party, I come here as often as I can and I really appreciate the chance to be here in the city and it’s a very important part of the province. It contributes so much to all of Saskatchewan and that’s very important to remember.”

Broten has made a number of appearances in the city already this year, including at the flood plain meeting in late March. He travels to Prince Albert as much as he can because, he said, the city’s representation by the Sask Party has been “incredibly weak.”

“You know, you had Darryl Hickie, who was checked out before he quit, and so you’ve got this vacancy with zero representation and then you have the existing Sask Party MLA who doesn’t bring P.A.’s concerns to the legislature, she just parrots whatever the government tells her to say,” he said.

Broten said he’s committed to work with the municipal government and local organizations.

In the community, there is interest in what Broten has to say, according to Rancourt. She said there are residents who are upset with some of what the current government is doing and want to look at the different options.

She pointed out that there were a lot of new faces at the gala.

One of the issues she’s heard about from residents has been the flood plain.

“And so, that is something we’re going to be going and talking to residents about and about how the province can help them with this issue,” she said.

Rancourt said residents are also upset about the Lean initiative in health care, seniors’ care and the state of education.

“A lot of the residents here, they’re upset with the lack of funding in schools, the lack of community schools now with the public school system and the lack of EAs (educational assistants) in the schools.”

Rancourt plans to knock on doors in the Northcote constituency.

“And people will be seeing a lot of me in the next little while.”

For the government’s explanation of its spending, please see paNOW’s story about the Premier’s Dinner.

tjames@panow.com

On Twitter: @thiajames

by Thia James

Broten promises better representation for P.A. from NDP

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